Wireframing is a technique that involves visualizing the product. These are user experience or UI designs that summarize the design process. These can be hand-drawn or made using complex designing software. If you are working for a client, they will likely ask for a visual representation of the process. Providing wireframes is the best option in this case. A wireframe is a technical document, but many designers only take it as the foundation of their development process.
Wireframes are effective tools to solve problems. You can consider them to create an effective and successful product. Below, you will find some steps to create a successful wireframe for your product. So let’s start:
1. Understand the scenario
Before starting the process and opening the wireframing tool, clear your mind and understand the scenario. Make sure that you are ready to convert your ideas into a design. Start by understanding your audience and the problems this product will solve. Also, answer some basic questions, including what makes the product effective and unique. Understanding the problem can help you design a successful wireframe.
2. Generate ideas
In this step, you can be creative and implement new ideas in the project. If you love experimenting with new ideas, this is the best time to show off your skills. Do not judge your ideas and start with whatever you have in your mind. You can start by choosing a wireframing tool. For instance, Balsamiq is a better option to get started. If you are using this tool to design, start by adding UI controls and moving them until they look good. You can jump from one wireframe to another if you do not find it effective. Things can get messy during this stage, as thinking too much won’t get you anywhere.
3. Analyze your ideas
Once you are done implementing your idea on the canvas, analyze what you came up with. You will find your ideas interesting if both the above steps work well. Furthermore, this step is about putting the pieces together. Collect and combine your ideas together and address them according to your users’ needs. You can include new concepts and add missing details during this initial phase.
4. Discuss with your team
Once you come up with a good idea, share it with your team. Ask for their advice and revise the wireframe based on their suggestion. Communicating with your team is half the process of developing a successful wireframe. Subsequently, share the final wireframe with the designers to complete the development process.
5. Validate
Once your designer creates the product, discuss it with your team and generate feedback. Also, interact with potential users and ask for their advice about the design. A potential user will help you understand either your product will solve their problem or not. You can also share your product with an expert in the industry and ask for their advice. Then, you can validate your design and watch people use the product through usability testing.
Conclusion
Mastering the wireframing technique takes time. It involves learning, thinking, and clarity, which you will achieve over time. You can improve your skills by setting a clear path and understanding the audience for each project. The above steps to create a successful wireframe will help you start your journey.
Sweta manages omni-channel marketing at TryMyUI and has previously worked as a Startup Growth Advisor for Plug and Play Center and 500Startups.
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